PFF scouting report: Darius Latham, DT, Indiana

Below is the PFF draft profile for Indiana’s Darius Latham, which incorporates PFF’s college grades and scouting intel from our team of analysts. To see all of PFF’s 2016 scouting reports, click here.

Position fit:

Jumbo three-tech or five-tech; could fit in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.

Stat to know:

Fifth-highest pass-rushing grade among defensive tackles in the class.

What he does best:

• Dancing bear qualities with his short-area movement skills. Possesses one of the best spin moves in the class.

• Already knows how to use his hands as a pass-rusher. Consistently swats away offensive lineman’s hands and has a quick swim-move to counter.

• When he wants to play low, Latham has an extremely strong base and knows how to use his length to gain leverage with ease.

Biggest concern:

• Below-average athlete. His burst and power isn’t enough to shoot gaps at the NFL level.

• Can line up at many different positions, but there might not be a singular “best fit” for him in the NFL. Oversized for a three-technique, and gets washed down on double-teams too often to be a full-time nose tackle.

• Tendency to play high; will get caught watching the ball-carrier and give ground.

• Very inconsistent with his hand usage versus the run—leads to some ugly reps.

Player Comparison:

Letroy Guion, Green Bay Packers. Latham is no doubt a talented player, but his lack of athleticism and true position limit his upside, much like Guion..

Bottom line:

If he wants to continue to play three-technique in the pros, Latham could benefit from shedding a few pounds in an NFL weight room and improving his upfield burst. He’s such a natural on the defensive line, though, that you’ll try to find a spot for him.